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Articles by Nicole
1.
Feng Shui In Your Car
2.
What is Feng Shui?
3.
Abundance The Feng Shui Way
4.
Arrange Some
Romance In Your Life!
5. Why Follow Feng Shui?
Feng Shui In Your Car
The pace of today’s society has increased
exponentially, and many people are constantly on edge,
unable to shake off the day’s work even at home. Although it
is often difficult to transition from a busy schedule to a
calm inner peace on your way home from work or school, Feng
Shui can make your travel safer and more enjoyable.
Feng Shui is the Chinese art of placement, which focuses on
creating a smoother flow in your routines and your
environment. Let’s look at both.
First of all, pay attention to the route you travel home
through. Is it pleasant? Do you encounter heavy traffic,
impoverished neighborhoods, cemeteries or construction?
These sites all disturb your personal ch’i, or energy,
whether you consciously pay attention to them or not. Find
an alternate route that provides plenty of greenery or
beautiful architecture to admire instead. Make your drive
home visually pleasurable and relaxing.
So many times good Feng Shui is just plain common sense.
Your car is no exception. Keep it well maintained and clean.
Don’t bring your trash with you every where you go. (Mission
Impossible if you have small children, but make an effort).
It dampens your ch’i to drive around knee deep in junk and
this likely symbolizes your habit of always bringing your
problems with you wherever you go. Are you caught on the
mental hamster wheel, with your mind always turning,
turning, turning? You may also find that you carry your
anxiety around like a shield. Distracting yourself with
clutter in the car can be an alternative to dealing with
“bigger” issues. This could also symbolize being constantly
hampered in your efforts to get ahead in life, whatever your
goals. Cut down on the food intake in the car, although in
Florida it’s always a good idea to have water with you, it’s
so hot. Food in the car creates messes and attracts bugs,
neither of which helps you maintain a calm environment
(especially when you’re screaming and swatting at the bug
while driving on the interstate!)
Anything that needs to be transported should be in the trunk
so it doesn’t distract you from driving. It’s physically
safer for you too. This applies especially to your briefcase
or school books so they don’t unconsciously remind you of
work or any problems you associate with it. Work belongs in
the office not in the car, unless you’re a taxi driver or
chauffeur by trade. And stay off the phone, unless it’s
important (in that case, pull off to the side of the road).
Find some really great music to enjoy on the way home,
preferably some that you can sing along with. Singing raises
your ch’i and also opens your throat chakra. For those of
you who have issues with speaking your truth, this is a
small step in the right direction.
Consider adding a sachet or diffuser for the car to add a
pleasing scent. There are essential oils that can help keep
you alert for long trips, or relax you if you have to go
through heavy traffic.
Make sure your seat is ergonomically comfortable for you,
and get the proper support if it’s not. It’s not a luxury,
it’s a Feng Shui necessity to be comfortable.
Many people hang crystals form their rearview mirrors now.
Be careful. Faceted lead crystals disperse light and can
blind you and other drivers. It’s good ch’i for the house,
but inappropriate for the car. Please think twice about
hanging one from your rearview mirror. Reflective ba-gua
mirror stickers are becoming more popular as well, the
purpose of which is to deflect negative energy away from the
car. However, the negativity “reflected” by the ba-gua
mirror goes right back out to the universe to get in someone
else’s way. If you are concerned about your protection, an
alternative Feng Shui method would be to place a card or
small pendant of your deity in the car and ask for blessings
and protection be sent your way. This will activate “helpful
people” in your life and you will not be responsible for
bouncing “negativity” all over the road. Usually cars have
an area on the grille where you can place a vanity plate.
This falls in the “Fame” area of the ba-gua as it is applied
to the car. When purchasing a vanity plate, consider fire
colors (red, orange, purple) and have the plate relate to
something you wish to be well known for, such as your
business, golf game, or saving the whales.
On the back of the car, place bumper
stickers that represent things you wish to be knowledgeable about on the
driver’s side and incorporate the colors green, blue and black. The middle
of the bumper should relate to your career, so place stickers promoting your
business there with. The colors there should be black, blue or your logo
colors. The passenger side relates to helpful people and travel - religious
or guardian angel stickers activate this area, as well as stickers of places
you’ve seen or wish to see. Helpful people colors are black, white and gray.
Your car represents your mobility in life. With a little attention to Feng
Shui, your car can get you to your destination and help you reach your goals
in life. Bon Voyage!
What is Feng Shui?
Feng Shui (pronounced Fung Shway) is the Chinese art of
placement that enhances the energy flow in the environment.
The basic premise of Feng Shui is that your life is a
product of your environment. If you design your living and
working spaces properly, it harmonizes the energy flow, or
ch'i, of your surroundings and improves many aspects of your
life. Now before you decide this whole idea is bizarre,
think about how you could apply Feng Shui theories to your
life right now. Let's start with clutter.
How many of you live in a clutter-free house? Those of you
that said yes may turn the page now. For the rest of us,
there are some interesting Feng Sui principles concerning
clutter that could make you think twice about keeping your
special pile of junk. First of all, pay attention to the
spots where clutter accumulates. These are stagnant areas in
your house that are "clutter magnets". Paradoxically, the
areas that accumulate clutter are the most important to keep
clean. Clutter sometimes represents unresolved issues.
Unresolved issues tend to preoccupy us, and if ignored can
grow into a bigger mess if left alone. See the connection?
Second, pay attention to the type of clutter you accumulate.
Is it paperwork that needs to be dealt with, or do you have
a collection of gifts and heirlooms that you can't stand but
keep anyway? Paperwork can symbolize being overwhelmed with
responsibilities, and a collection of unwanted gifts or
hand-me-downs can represent outside obligations. People who
hang onto gift items they don't like out of guilt usually
have a hard time saying "no" to other's needs and ignore
their own.
Getting rid of clutter is the most important Feng Shui cure
you can do to improve your life! Start with one room, or
even one drawer if you feel overwhelmed. Ask yourself the
following questions (be truthful to yourself): 1. Do I
really, really love this item? 2. Have I used it in the last
year? 3. Do I have too many of these? 4. Is it broken or
unfinished? Do not keep something because you may need it
"someday". If it does not have a definite purpose in your
life right now, do not keep it. If you do end up needing the
item five years from now, you can borrow it or buy a better
one then. But honestly, how often does that situation come
to pass? By holding onto items you do not need, you
subconsciously reinforce a belief that you will never have
what you need. Do not buy into the "poverty consciousness"
syndrome! After you've cleaned out your clutter, have a
garage sale or donate your unneeded items to charity. Make
room in your house and your life, for bigger and better
things. You'd be surprised at what new opportunities come
your way once you make room for them in you home and in your
life!
Feng Shui book of the month: "Clear Your Clutter with Feng
Shui" by Karen Kingston - available at Starchild Books!
Abundance The Feng Shui Way
Many
people dream about being wealthy but never believe they will achieve it.
Other people have the perception that good people don't pursue wealth. It
doesn't have to be this way. In Feng Shui, it is acceptable to improve
one's wealth. Realistically, people who have a decent income eat well,
have adequate clothing, shelter, medical care, and education. Feng Shui
probably won't help you win the lottery, but it can ensure that you can
pay your bills and live comfortably.
First of all, it is important to
repair any leaks in your house. Whether it is your roof or your sink, a
leak represents money slipping away. Next, put that toilet lid down! If
water represents money, imagine what happens to your finances when you
leave the lid up. You see your finances constantly go down the toilet.
Place a healthy plant on top of the toilet tank, too. This keeps the good
energy from going down the toilet, (Silk is fine, just place three pinches
of real dirt in it. Dried flowers, however, are a no-no. They have no life
to them.)
The stove is another important wealth site in the house. The
Chinese believe the stove (traditionally the rice cooker) represents
wealth because a family with enough rice to eat has enough energy to work
productively and earn more money. How can this help the average American?
By keeping the stove and burners clean, you are more likely to receive
wealth. The burners represent financial opportunities, so unless you have
small children (who might be able to reach the front burners and hurt
themselves) try to use all the burners once a day.
One of the best wealth
enhancers for the house is a fish tank. Water represents money, and fish represent new opportunities. Try to buy fish in multiples of three for the
best luck, but any amount will do except four (considered bad luck). Koi
and arrowana are the best fish to enhance your finances, but any orange
fish will work. It is important to replace the fish as soon as they die,
because it is said that the fish absorb bad luck for the owner.
Enhance
your checkbook by taping three large coins to the cover. Traditionally,
they should be the Chinese coins, yang side up ((four characters on top,
not two) and tied with red ribbon. If you use American money, use dollar
coins as your first choice. It is also a nice touch to add a picture
relevant to your faith, to acknowledge that all blessings ultimately come
from Heaven, even if they stopped at your band first. You can do the same
thing to investment portfolios and important business files.
Outside your
house a water fountain placed in the front yard facing the door, or placed
on the back left corner of your property and facing the house will bring
you more money. The water should flow toward, not away from the house.
These suggestions should help you make a good start on your road to
abundance. Enjoy!
Arrange
Some Romance In Your Life
Finding
that special someone is an important goal in many people's lives. Feng
Shui, which is the oriental art of arranging the environment, can help
achieve this. Arranging your home environment in certain ways will act as
an affirmation to attract love in your life.
First of all, look at the art
on your walls. Single people should lose all pictures of lonely, solitary
people in the house. Ditto for any sculpture of single people. Replace
them with pictures of happy couples.
The bedroom is the place most
connected with romance for obvious reasons. There are two activities that
should be done in the bedroom (Number one is sleep. You know what number
two is.) Desks, television, exercise equipment or computers do not belong
in your bedroom because they distract you from those two things you're
supposed to be doing. If you have no other spot for these items, cover
them when not in use. Pictures of family members are discouraged here.
Aunt Matilda's photo should not be staring at you while you try to create
an intimate mood. If you are married, however, wedding or other happy
couple photos do belong in the bedroom. This reinforces the good aspects
of the relationship. Pets should not sleep in the bedroom because there
should be room for human companions in your bed and life. Move their pet
bed somewhere else. They'll adjust. Ditto for kids sneaking into your bed
at night. Your bed should be placed diagonally across from the door,
unless it would be under a window. Beds should not be placed near any
window, especially if the window would be behind the bed. This makes you
psychologically vulnerable and also sweeps your personal "ch'i"
or "energy" out the window while you sleep.
The bed should have
matching nightstands and lamps on either side, to give partners
"equality". Single women need to lose the stuffed animal or
pillow herds on the bed because they symbolize the bed already taken (with
no room for a human companion).
When choosing knickknacks for the bedroom,
pair them up. Threesomes don't belong in your romance room. Candles are a
good choice but don't leave them unattended. Pick decorations that enhance
your romantic atmosphere. Making your bedroom a love shrine affirms that
romance and relationships have an important part of your life. Start with
these suggestions and pay attention to the changes in your love life!
Why
Follow Feng Shui?
Feng Shui has
exploded in popularity in the past few years. The premise of
Feng Shui is that man is a product of his environment.
Paying attention to the flow of ch'i, or energy, in the
land, home and office can reveal both blessings and
obstacles in a person't life. Changes to the environment,
commonly called "cures" can be implemented to improve nine
different areas of a person's life: wealth, fame,
relationships, children/creativity, helpful people/travel,
career, knowledge/self=cultivation, family and health.
Feng Shui cures can affect a person
on three different levels. The physical level is the most noticeable. This
involves such things as painting, repairs, cleaning clutter and moving
furniture, all of which are noticeable by sight. Cures on a physical level
improve esthetics of the environment as well as facilitate ease of movement
and discourage accidents.
The mental effects of Feng Shui are
noticeable because they promote psychological comfort or an advantage in the
environment. For example, placing the recliner in the living room to face
the door is considered the 'honored guest' position because the seated guest
has a view of everyone entering or leaving. This removes the chance of a
'surprise attack'. Placing a mirror behind a seat is considered inauspicious
because it reflects the back of the head to other guests, thus symbolically
making the seated guest vulnerable. In business, a person's desk should be
located in the back third of the room, facing the door. This puts the office
worker in a position of psychological power because they can see everyone
coming in the door and people must walk across the room to get to the desk,
thus giving the seated person time to think about the proper course of
action. In the office set-up secretaries are the first people to deal with
customers when they walk in, and they are the ones who deal with most of the
stress. The boss is 'protected' in the back. In the kitchen, it is important
for the cook to see the entrance of the kitchen while they face the stove.
Surprising the cook from behind can scare or anger them, and that ch'i is
transferred to the food they cook. Most people have fond memories of
grandma's cooking. Didn't it seem to taste better because it was 'made with
love'? The emotional state of the cook has a large impact on the ch'i of the
prepared food. The third level that Feng Shui cures affect is the spiritual.
This includes the vibration of the environment. Think of a brand new house.
It feels new and clean until that first argument. Afterwards the ch'i of the
argument lingers, affecting the house and its occupants.
Spiritual cures involve clearing 'old' energy from arguments,
accidents or deaths in a house, as well as dissolving psychological
blocks. These cures depend upon 'yi' or intention to be effective, and
cannot be noticed by physical sense, rather they are perceived by the
third eye or the intuition. People will choose environments and decorate
them in a way that makes them comfortable. Thus, the arrangement of the
environment is a physical look inside the person's mind. Feng Shui may
'cure' a physical environment but a change occurs in the psychological
outlook of the occupants as well. A person and their environment can not
be separated. |
